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Hi, and welcome to my article regarding free resources for homeschooling.  There are plenty of links here as well as on my main page: Great Homeschooling Freebies

You can Homeschool Using Free Resources!

 

You can homeschool using free resources found readily available on the Internet.  In fact, there are so many resources available that all you really need to do is decide what you are looking for.  Every subject, topic, biography, research for unit studies, activities, games, recipes, etc. are all found on the Internet.  If you have a very limited budget and are homeschooling, then you may want to invest in a few things.

The Internet gives you great freedom when looking for free homeschooling resources.  You may also find that investing in an older printer will help you print worksheets, coloring pictures, craft activities, and other downloadable educational materials inexpensively.  Some of the older printers have ink cartridges that you can refill for virtually pennies.  It may be difficult to find some of the matching ink cartridges in your local stores, but through the Internet you will be amazed at the value you can find.  So first, I recommend that  you find a printer and ensure that you can obtain ink cartridges cheaply for it.  Some good sources to look for old printers are free cycling groups and Ebay.

If you aren't familiar with free cycling groups then let me point you to a great link:

http://www.freecycle.org/

The free cycle network exists to help communities keep their landfills from becoming filled with items that still have use.  Free cyclers trade or barter their items free of charge.  The only commitment that you need to make is that when you pick up an item, that you in turn, give some of your unused items for free.  Many homeschooling families will also give away curriculum through their local free cycling groups.  Any item that you may have can be free cycled.  I am sure that you have heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."  Well, you could also say, "One Homeschooler's trash is another Homeschooler's treasure."

So, if you are in need of curriculum, or interested in free cycling, I definitely recommend that you visit the Free Cycle network and find people in your community who you can share your items with.

Another great resource that is available to homeschoolers is your local library.  Hopefully, you have already discovered the amount of treasures available but if you haven't I have a few tips for you.  

1.  Use your Library's Internet search capabilities.

By this, I mean that you most likely have access to your local library from the comfort of your home pc.  Many counties will let you search through your library's database and even order books, tapes, videos and place them on hold.  You can even choose which branch to pick up your materials.  This will ensure that you have the resources that you need at the time you need them.

2.  Teach your children how to use the public library from an early age.

You will find that your local library has a wealth of resources for your children.  Many libraries also have storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and information regarding local community events.  By teaching your children how to use the library and participating in your local library's events, your children will not only gain a love for literature, but will discover that the library is a fun place to be.

Finally, the last recommendation that I have in this article is to use your PBS station.

PBS is available free of charge for all communities and doesn't require satellite or cable for access.  If you have access to a computer, whether at home or through a library, you can visit http://www.pbskids.org and http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/ to find a large amount of free teaching materials that will enhance your child's learning.  Some parents may not feel comfortable using the television as a teaching tool, but for those who do, PBS can be a wonderful way to reinforce ideas.  Programs such as Sesame Street, Read between the Lions, Reading Rainbow, and Barney can reinforce many skills that you are teaching.  By using free downloadable and printable materials available at the PBS Kids website can help bring those skills home and use them in a hand on approach.  

Charisse Van Horn is a freelance writer.  To contact her or for inquiries regarding her services please visit: http://www.primewriter.org

©2005 Charisse Van Horn

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